Created in Savannah, Georgia in 1918, the Georgia Cancer Commission was comprised of Georgia doctors with the intention of starting a campaign of education throughout the state that would enable Georgia citizens to recognize cancer symptoms while in its early, curable stages. Authorized by the Medical Association of Georgia, the commission was tasked to "use any and every legitimate means to educate the public and call the attention of the profession to the increasing danger of cancer." Chaired by Atlanta doctor J. L. Campbell, the commission made significant progress in advancing the awareness of cancer to Georgia citizens, comparing cancer to tuberculosis in that if detected early enough, cancer could be treated and even cured. By 1940, the Georgia Cancer Commission was in contact with numerous civic and religious organizations statewide, and a series of lectures were being held to groups in several industrial communities. The commission was still active as of 1945.

Scope and Content Note

The Georgia Cancer Commission papers consists mostly of correspondence from chairman J. L. Campbell to members of the commission, other local Georgia and regional hospitals, and several other individuals and organizations. Also included are typscript copies of annual reports and subject files related to the Georgia Cancer Commission.